Meet Frankie Goodman, Kalei Apo, and their pup Charlie, of Little Tin Goods & Apothecary Cabinet in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. When Frankie and Kalei moved to Seattle, they knew they wanted to open a tiki lounge that welcomed people from all walks of life. Their garden-style speakeasy shares Hawaiian food, culture, and music with Ballard and beyond.
Fun-fact: Frankie and Kalei say everything they do is to give Charlie the life he deserves.
Get to know more about Frankie, Kalei, and Little Tin in this Business Spotlight Q&A.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Why is it important to you and your business that people #SpendLikeItMatters?
Seattle is a city but has always felt like a city of neighborhoods, of people who really care about what’s going on in their communities. We love exploring different neighborhoods and seeing what matters the most to the people living in them. Spending intentionally in small, diverse businesses helps ensure the authentic livelihood and success of those people actually living and contributing to those hoods who care about where they live, and the other people they share it with. We are very [proud] to contribute to the Ballard neighborhood with our unique representation and offerings, and we love seeking out other small businesses that love sharing what they do best.
As a business owner, what’s the strangest or craziest thing you’ve ever tried?
Kalei built everything in the [Little Tin] space. Usually there’s a full team [or teams] for a project like this but Kalei wanted to challenge herself to make it exactly how she wanted it: from the planning to the construction, to the garden patio landscaping, to the design, to the tables and chairs. We had a special look in mind and wanted to make sure everything felt personal and intentional.
What’s something your customers may not know about you or your business?
Kalei Apo is a native Hawaiian from Kauai. She also owns another bar in Kauai called the Nawiliwili Tavern, also in a historical building, that’s a great karaoke bar on the beach! She goes back to Kauai as often as she can to connect and support her Hawaiian community and family. Frankie is classically trained in musical theater and opera and is a makeup artist and cosmetologist. She still does wedding, theater, and event hair and makeup.